Just after midday on Tuesday the Scotland manager strode into Hampden with the same no-nonsense energy that has become his trademark. There was none of the showmanship you might expect from a World Cup squad unveiling. Clarke lobbed the squad list on the table, cupped his ears to the room and, in a rare theatrical moment, joked ‘America, here we come’ — but the mood was resolutely low-key. The Scottish FA tried to sprinkle a bit of drama online, but Clarke didn’t play along. This was the manager being true to form: steady, predictable and uninterested in fanfare.
That predictability was obvious long before names were read out. Clarke has said the squad was largely settled in his head for weeks, and his selections reflect a deep loyalty to players he knows well. That loyalty explains why several in-form options were always unlikely to force their way in: Oli McBurnie, Oliver Burke, Kieron Bowie and others simply don’t fit the manager’s template.
There were a few talking points. Findlay Curtis, the 19-year-old Rangers winger who impressed on loan at Kilmarnock, earned a place after steady progress. Ross Stewart, whose time with Scotland has often been interrupted by injury and omission, returns on the back of a purple patch at Southampton. Stewart’s power, work-rate and goal threat are obvious when fit; Clarke also values his optimistic personality. Liam Kelly slots in as third goalkeeper largely for his positive influence around the squad rather than expectations of playing time.
Stewart’s selection is a reward for resilience: he has only two caps but has battled through injuries to emerge in strong form. That story contrasts with the omission of McBurnie. Despite a brilliant campaign with Hull — one of the Championship’s most consistent scorers this season — McBurnie remains out of favour while Clarke is in charge. On numbers alone, McBurnie’s season looks compelling; on Clarke’s judgment and personal fit, he doesn’t make the cut.
Kieron Bowie also misses out, a frustrating outcome after a personally successful season with Hellas Verona despite their relegation. Bowie has scored against top Serie A sides and been one of his club’s few bright spots in recent months, but Clarke’s reliance on familiar faces and proven trustworthiness carried the day.
Lennon Miller’s absence was only a mild surprise; he was in recent friendly squads but didn’t play, and Clarke has again opted for known quantities. Calvin Miller, Oliver Burke and others who offer raw pace and directness simply don’t align with the manager’s selection profile. Scotland remains short on genuine width and top-end speed — an age-old issue — and Clarke hasn’t turned to risky, curveball inclusions to address it.
That leaves added responsibility on the few quick, attacking options selected. Ben Gannon-Doak is perhaps the squad’s main genuine speed merchant, alongside Curtis on the wings. Gannon-Doak’s appearances have been scant this season and have been punctuated by injury, but when available he brings a different dimension. Clarke and the nation will be hoping he is fit and ready for the challenges ahead.
Players such as Lyndon Dykes and George Hirst keep their places largely because Clarke trusts them and values the attributes they provide beyond pure goalscoring — experience, work-rate and alignment with how the manager wants the team to operate.
For the chosen 26 the simple task — being selected — is done. The real test starts in the United States, where Clarke has repeatedly said Scotland are not going merely for the experience but to try to make history by advancing from a World Cup group at a major tournament for the first time. The squad is recognisably Clarke’s: loyal, familiar and unflashy. Time will tell whether that steadiness is enough to take them further than ever before.
